3 drug suspects, 4 others slain in shootings

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay chairman and two other alleged drug personalities were killed in separate incidents over the weekend.

Unidentified motorcycle-riding men shot Nancy Nagaro, chairwoman of Barangay Digkilaan in Iligan City, and her partner Diamel Cagayan. Police said Nagaro was on their drug watchlist.

Vinjun Namocatcat, 34, reportedly drew his gun when he sensed he had sold shabu worth P1,000 to policemen who posed as buyers in Barangay Centro, Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

Five sachets of shabu were found in Namocatcat’s pocket, said Superintendent Edward Guzman, Tuguegarao police chief.

Meanwhile, four persons were killed and another was wounded in shooting incidents on Sunday.

Farmer Jonald Baclig, 41, was driving his tractor when an unidentified man opened fire along Sitio Ulayos, Barangay Catucdaan, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur at around 8:30 p.m.

In Pangasinan, Rolando Corpuz, 48, was on his way to church when he was shot in Barangay Ongson Ongkit in Mangatarem. His companion Rhea Bugarin, 14, was wounded and taken to a hospital for treatment.

Danilo Amante and Dennis Panid were shot at close range in Barangay Bacao, Taysan, Batangas.

Investigations into the killings are underway. Police said the victims were not drug suspects.

P2.5-M shabu seized

In Maguindanao, P2.5 million worth of shabu were allegedly seized from Jojet Sapal and Abdulfatah Mamalinta in Barangay Pinaring, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday.

A caliber .45 pistol was also recovered from the suspects who were detained at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao office in Cotabato City.

At least 11 other suspected drug pushers were collared as the government continued its war against illegal drugs across the country on Sunday.

Among those arrested were Aldrich Fortun, an employee of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Caraga, and his cousin Mark Anthony. The suspects are “high-value” drug pushers and said to be relatives of Butuan City congresswoman Lawrence Fortun. – Raymund Catindig, John Unson, Eva Visperas, Ed Amoroso, Ben Serrano, Lino de la Cruz